Hoover Historical Center

"Preserving the Hoover Legacy"

A vibrant part of Walsh University, the story of the Hoover legacy unfolds in the Victorian Italianate-style farmhouse, and the "Sweeping Changes" chronological display provides a unique walk down memory lane.

Experience the Legacy

The Hoover Historical Center is the Victorian boyhood home of Hoover Company founder, William H. Hoover. The Center is located inside Walsh University's Hoover Park in North Canton (originally called New Berlin) on original Hoover family farmland. Guided tours begin in a modest 1840s building that served as home for the Hoover family in 1852 until they constructed their farmhouse in 1853. The story of the Hoover legacy unfolds in the Victorian Italianate-style farmhouse. Amid elegant Victorian décor, the "Sweeping Changes" chronological display provides a walk down memory lane.

Antique manual vacuums, the first 1908 Hoover, vintage ads, products produced by Hoover for World War II, Hoover family furnishings and various ladies' fashions provide diversity for all interests. Among the interactives on the tour is a push-button to activate a recording of Hoover salesmen singing, "All The Dirt, All The Grit," the Company theme song of the 1920s and '30s. Interactives include use of manual vacuums from the early 1900s; a WWII helmet liner and metal helmet; a record player with a record of 1950s Hoover advertising; the 1956 Hoover Constellation canister which rode on a cushion of air; and current Hoover products. Historical videos/dvds are available for viewing.

Tours are conducted hourly at 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., Thursday to Saturday, March through October. The Center is closed Sunday - Wednesday and on all major holidays. Advance reservations are required for groups of 8 or more. Morning reservations are available Monday-Friday. No admission is charged to "experience the legacy," however donations are graciously accepted and appreciated. A Gift Shoppe offers souvenirs. The Hoover Historical Center is wheelchair accessible.

Grounds are complemented with beautiful award-winning gardens tended by volunteer members of The Herb Society at the Hoover Historical Center.

The Center offers a variety of programs throughout the year that have grown to become favored traditions in the community:

A 1860s baseball team, the Hoover Sweepers, play from May - September and display the goodwill of vintage base ball at various community festivals and events throughout Ohio.

Storytelling conducted in the Banquet Hall inside Walsh University's Hoover Park each summer by some of the area's best storytellers.

An annual Christmas Open House includes Santa and Mrs. Claus, live holiday music and a Christmas tree in every display room. Horse-drawn wagon rides are part of the agenda. Homemade cookies and hot chocolate complement the festivities.

Donations of Hoover Company memorabilia can be made by contacting Museum Curator, Megan Pellegrino at mpellegrino@walsh.edu or 330-244-4960.

Owned and operated by Walsh University, the Center is located at 1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, Ohio 44720-3331, inside Hoover Park and across the street from the University.

Directions

From the South

Follow signs to Canton/Akron/Cleveland on I-77N. Take exit #109A Whipple Ave. exit. Turn right at the light to travel north on Whipple. Light at Everhard, go straight. Follow Whipple. Just past Toyota dealer on the left, look right for Maple Street which dead ends into Whipple from the right. Turn right on Maple (traveling east) and straight through all lights and stop signs (following signs to Walsh University). Hoover Park and the Center are located just two miles past The Hoover Company on the left and across the street from Walsh University.

From the North

Follow signs to Canton on I-77S. Take exit #111 (North Canton/Canal Fulton).Turn left at the light. This is Portage Street and travel east. Go straight through lights and over railroad tracks. Stay in right lane. Light at Wise turn right (traveling south). About ¼ mile down is a 4-way stop at Maple Street. Turn left on Maple (traveling east) and straight through all lights and stop signs (following signs to Walsh University). Hoover Park and the Center are located just two miles past The Hoover Company on the left and across the street from Walsh University.